A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cuenca vs. Cordoba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Cuenca or Cordoba?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cuenca and Cordoba. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Cuenca or Cordoba?

Cuenca

Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

Which city is cheaper, Cordoba or Cuenca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cuenca is $34, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $31. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cuenca and Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cuenca $9.97
    Cordoba $11
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cuenca $20
    Cordoba $22
Compare Hotels in Cuenca and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Cuenca or Cordoba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cuenca


Hotels in Cordoba


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cuenca Hotel Prices and Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cuenca $8.60
    Cordoba $7.74
Typical Local Transportation prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:


  • Taxi Ride
    $2.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:

  • Private Transfer from Cuenca City Center to Madrid City Center: $147
  • Private Transfer from Cuenca to Guayaquil.: $83
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Cuenca Airport CUE to Cuenca City by Minivan: $74
  • Departure Private Transfer: Cuenca City to Cuenca Airport CUE by Minivan: $74
  • Cuenca to Guayaquil Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Cuenca to Alausi Transfer in Fantasy Bus: $25
  • Transfer In Cuenca Airport - Hotel: $25
  • Cuenca Airport Shuttle Transfer: $19
  • Cuenca Arrival Transfer: $15
  • Cuenca Departure Transfer: $15

Typical Local Transportation prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cordoba Private Arrival Transfer: $100
  • Cordoba Private Departure Transfer: $100
  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $275
  • Cordoba to Seville Private Transfer: $444
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $100
  • Private Airport Transfer: Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport (COR): $19
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $336
  • Private Transfer: Cordoba to Córdoba Airport (ODB): $622
  • Private Transfer: Córdoba Airport (ODB) to Cordoba: $622
  • Private transfer from/to Cordoba to/from Malaga: $261
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $75
  • Transfer in Private Car from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport-COR: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Cuenca or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba and Cuenca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cuenca $12
    Cordoba $14
Typical Food prices in Cuenca

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:


  • Lunch
    $10
  • Snacks
    $5.00
  • Empanada
    $1.50
  • Hot Dog
    $1.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.

  • Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
  • Cuenca City Tour & Cooking Class (PRIVATE Tour): $95
  • Private Cooking Class: $125

Typical Food prices in Cordoba

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cordoba:


  • Empanadas
    $0.06
  • Sandwich
    $0.02
  • Ice Cream
    $0.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

For Cordoba, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cordoba Spanish Cooking Class & Market Tour: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cuenca $13
    Cordoba $7.00

Tours and Activities in Cuenca

Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4-Day Magic Tour Cuenca, Alausi town, Baños, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Quito: $675
  • 5-Day Rock Climbing Tour in Cojitambo, Paute, Girón, Cajas and Sayausi: $400
  • 5-Day Trekking Rock, Climbing, Canyoning and Paragliding Tour: $474
  • BIKE TOUR "Descent of The Andes": $59
  • Baños Private Guided 4-day tour from Cuenca: $691
  • Biking Cuenca City Tour: $45
  • Biking and Walking City Tour Cuenca: $30
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
  • Birdwatching Tour in Giron and Yunguilla Jocotoco Reserve from Cuenca: $129
  • Birdwatching Tour in Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
  • Birdwatching Tour in Via Sigsig,Chiguinda from Cuenca: $130

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Private Walking Tour of the Patios of San Basilio in Cordoba: $12
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $15
  • Patios of Cordoba Festival Tour: $15
  • Guided Tour of Medina Azahara at Night: $17
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $19
  • Guided Tour to the Popular Patios of Cordoba: $19
  • Patios tour in Cordoba: $19
  • Alcázar Reyes Cristianos Guided Tour with Tickets & Priority Access: $19
  • Olive Oil tasting breakfast & Tour: $19
  • Patios of Cordoba Walking Tour in Spanish: $20
  • Medina Azahara Tour from Cordoba: $21
  • Cordoba's Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cuenca $11
    Cordoba $5.52

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $25
  • Cordoba Mezquita Tour with Wine Tasting: $35
  • Córdoba Rooftop Experience with Wine Tasting: $107
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $130

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Cuenca and Cordoba, we can see that Cuenca is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in South America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Cuenca or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Cuenca experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.

Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba and Cuenca during the summer are popular places to visit. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In July, Cuenca is generally much warmer than Cordobain January. Temperatures in Cuenca average around 22°C (72°F), and Cordoba stays around 10°C (50°F).

Cuenca usually gets less rain in July than Cordobain January. Cuenca gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Cuenca 22°C (72°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cuenca and Cordoba. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.

Cuenca is cooler than Cordoba in the autumn. The temperature in Cuenca is usually 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cordoba stays around 16°C (61°F)in April.

In October, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Cordobain April. Cuenca gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Cuenca 12°C (54°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cuenca as well as Cordoba. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year.

The weather in Cuenca can be very cold. In the winter, Cuenca is much colder than Cordoba. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cuenca in January are around 4°C (39°F), and Cordoba is about 27°C (81°F)in July.

Cuenca usually gets more rain in January than Cordobain July. Cuenca gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Cuenca 4°C (39°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cuenca or Cordoba in the Spring?

Both Cordoba and Cuenca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate.

In April, Cuenca is generally much colder than Cordobain October. Temperatures in Cuenca average around 10°C (50°F), and Cordoba stays around 19°C (66°F).

In April, Cuenca usually receives less rain than Cordobain October. Cuenca gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Cuenca 10°C (50°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Cuenca

Cuenca Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (43°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)


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Cuenca vs. Cordoba Travel Comparison

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